The new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 bears strong visual resemblance to the current SL2 but in actuality, there is little in common.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
The new frame is built using an entirely different procedure and is both 153g than before yet a claimed 18 percent more rigid.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
Internal ribs inside the head tube help prevent the thin frame walls from deflecting under load.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
Similar treatment is given down below near the bottom bracket.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
The Tarmac SL3 chain stays are now boxier than before for extra rigidity.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
The seat stays are still slender for comfort and use an elliptical profile to keep lateral rigidity high.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
Specialized claims the curved top tube is a key element for keeping the Tarmac SL3 comfortable.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
The SL3’s dropouts look like they might be carbon fibre…James Huang/BikeRadar.com
…but they’re actually aluminium forgings with separate plates welded on to create trick hollow structures that are supposedly both lighter and stiffer than a carbon fibre equivalent.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
Of course, Specialized has retained the previous Tarmac SL2’s integrated bottom bracket configuration though the new press-in cups are lighter than the old aluminium sleeve.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
The new FACT SL crank on the top-end S-Works Tarmac SL Superlight uses a carbon fibre spider and lighter chainrings.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
Current demo bikes were set up with TRP R960 machined aluminium dual-pivot calipers but production Tarmac SL3 Superlight bikes will come with TRP’s new forged magnesium 970SL brakes.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
A SRAM Red group contributes to the 5.95kg (13.1lb) claimed weight for a complete Tarmac SL3 Superlight.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
The Tarmac SL3 Superlight will also include a pair of 175g Specialized S-Works carbon bars with a classic bend.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
Specialized continues on with a traditional 27.2mm round seatpost, saying there is no weight or stiffness advantage with an integrated design.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
Specialized’s newest time trial weapon is the Shiv – a menacing name for a not-so-friendly-looking bike.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
Though all of the Shiv frame was carefully shaped, this is really what the wind will see first as the bike moves through the air.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
The forward bulkhead reinforces the front end for greater rigidity and also effectively makes for a much deeper aspect ratio than the 3:1 normally allowed by the UCI for a single structure.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
The brake is wholly mounted to the forward bulkhead but the whole assembly is then bolted together at the top of the steerer tube and down below with a carbon ‘strap’ to make for an ultra-stout front end.James Huang/BikeRadar.com
Tight tolerances leave miniscule gaps between components for smoother airflow.James Huang/BikeRadar.com